This backyard was originally boring and lacked purpose. The homeowner’s yearned for a place to put their belongings, while creating a space fit for relaxation. Exterior Designs custom built a storage shed for their things, while creating a space that feels like a retreat from the bustling city. Beverly Katz selects blue cut flagstone, a traditional New Orleans material found in many of the city’s courtyards. She also creates dimension behind the pool by layering lush flowers and shrubs. The greenery provides a privacy screen and dampens city noises. The beautiful custom pool was hand-dug since space would not allow for heavy machinery. The pool is finished with a fountain that creates a soothing sound of water trickling. The homeowners and their guest have a place to unwind with the complementing lounge furniture. From boring to adoring, this landscape was…
French Quarter Pool, Courtyard & Garden Renovation From Problem Landscape to Elegant Escape Problems: Poor drainage Overgrown gardens Tired design Solutions: Redirect ground water Tidy gardens with brick-edged beds Update design with timeless New Orleans style selections No detail was left unnoticed during this French Quarter transformation. A beautiful pool set in a sea of blue flagstone looks perfectly at home in this updated renovation. Exterior Designs by Beverly Katz completely overhauled the existing space to correct poor drainage, which resulted in standing water, and overgrown gardens that dwarfed the overall backyard space. Exterior Designs’ landscaping team had to remove everything down to the dirt to correctly solve drainage issues and properly prepare a level surface for the flagstone. In the before pictures note the addition of pipes, which are used to promote good drainage throughout the backyard space. A French drain was installed to redirect surface water and provide it…
The addition of a custom pool transforms this space into a backyard oasis. The flagstone used to create the pool surround is somewhat modern, while the brick selected for the pool’s fountain adds a traditional element. The custom pool is neatly nestle among the landscaping to create privacy and an oasis feel. The custom designed pergola gives homeowners a place to retreat whether trying to stay warm at the fireplace or cool beneath the shade of the pergola. You would never know this custom pool lives in the middle of the city!
Brick pavers are used to create a custom pool for this city backyard. We also create a tranquil fountain as the focal point of the swimming pool. Brightly colored blooms create dimension, while providing privacy around the custom pool. Imagine what an impact a custom pool can have on your small backyard.
The focus of this outdoor kitchen is the grill, so we designed a custom brick island that holds all the kitchen essentials: grill, refrigerator, ice maker, and storage. The brick counter is hallow and is dual purpose, also serving as a storage area for the homeowner’s additional grill equipment; see detailed image above. Black iron columns give the space a New Orleans feel while providing a unique architectural element. The materials we selected to use throughout the outdoor kitchen – brick, acid stained concrete and granite – are low maintenance and do well handling the outdoor elements.
A traditional New Orleans pergola provides privacy and shade. The pergola also protects the house from unwanted heat and sun, cooling the home’s interior. By refinishing the existing deck and stairs, the porch is given an instant makeover and truly becomes a focal point in this backyard transformation. Exterior Designs completes the look by updating the concrete and brick pool surrounds.